A personal blog of this 76 year old gay man retired to Delaware with his long term partner/husband. My life has been and continues to be a fabulous journey. This blog is my humble attempt to memorialize my past and current life. Yes, this blog is all about me. Each of us is unique and has a story to tell. This is my story. Someday it will be a movie. What a life I've had and the adventure continues! I am on of the lucky ones. I'm still here, making waves.

Wednesday, March 04, 2015

Roller Coaster

This day could best be described as a roller coaster day.Earlier this afternoon (2:15 PM) I had my surgery time to repair my injured knee, confirmed: this Friday at 11:30 AM. I was wrapping my head around this when I took to my bed for my daily afternoon nap.I awoke an hour and a half later to the sound of my silenced iPhone beeping with a phone call. As I pick it up I notice two messages on it already.

I answer my phone. It is "Ginny" from my orthopedic surgeon's office. She tells me that I didn't pass my EKG test yesterday and they have made an appointment with my cardiologist at 10:30 AM this Friday. They detected an extra heartbeat (something I've been aware of for a few years now, two stress tests during those years) for:Cardiac ClearanceShe said the anesthesiologist will not go near me for surgery unless I get a "cardiac clearance." I called my neighbor Barbara and told her the latest developments. She said she has to get a cardiac clearance whenever she goes under. Apparently this is routine. I hope so. Of course this development has me scared to death. I'm not ashamed to admit I'm not a brave man. But I do care about those who care for me. I am afraid. More afraid than I've ever been for surgery. I was wondering why earlier today and was told because this knee surgery affects my mobility. So much of what I do. Bill hates it when I say this, but he gets more upset than I do when something like this happens. We're just trying to hold it together here folks. Thank goodness we have each other.

16 comments:

Coronary CLEARANCE is a good thing, no?I'm having outpatient surgery 04/08 & I'm afraid (70 yrs old). But we'll be fine as most are. I do share your fear though, Ron. Sorry for your mishap. It will heal up!

Robert M.,Thank you for your words of support. I'm not ashamed to admit I have an element of fear. This one is so debilitating. Three weeks into this now. I'm looking forward to the day when I can just add this experience as another one of my medical war stories.Ron

Roger,This is the first time I've encountered this bump. I've always passed the pre surgery EKG's before. But I've known I've had an extra heartbeat for a few years now. This development just caught me by surprise and I was all set for my operation tomorrow and now this delay. Today I begin my fourth week with this leg injury.Ron

Ron,I don't know how the weather is supposed to be in slower Delaware but here in VA Beach snow or frozen precipitation and a high of 29 on Friday. Might be a blessing in disguise if you miss the surgery at least for a day or so. The cardiac clearance is to cover someone's butt ( I wonder who?). You will be just fine, it's going to be hard to keep a GOOD man down.Jack

Cardiac clearance is fairly common, Ron, don't let t upset you. I've had an irregular heartbeat for a long time (I'm serious about that). I'm sure everything will be A-OK and you'll be so relieved when the procedure is completed. We're all thinking about you.

Jon,This is the first time I've heard of cardiac clearance. I have to admit it threw me for a loop but I've known I've had an extra heartbeat for a few years now. My cardiologist told me it's normal for someone my age (old guy that I am). He said "After all Ron your heart has been beating non-stop since 1941, it's just starting to wear out." Jon, I can't tell you how relieved i"ll be when this procedure is completed and I have another medical war story to add to my ever expanding repertoire. I have to admit I was very upset at first when I heard that I had to have this cardiac clearance but now that I've heard from others that this is a fairly routine matter, I'm less worried. Still have a fear though, I'll be honest.Ron

Try to keep calm, you'll get through this. You got those horrors with the prostate, you'll get through this. They're just making sure you can't sue them if something goes wrong, and nothing will. I know you don't believe in prayer and such, but I do and there are people you don't even know who care about you because you're my friend. Here is a message from one. I will tell you that she was in an auto accident a few years back and needs to walk with a cane and her husband fell at work about a week before you and broke his kneecap in half, so he is wearing the same contraption as you. So Pat understands your situation and frustration. Here's her message: From Pat Himmelstein - "Hi Ron, I'm a friend of Larry Meredith, I understand the angst you're going through. It's tough enough to suffer a disabling fall where you need a surgical intervention. Edginess creeps in while you attempt to process what comes next for you to deal with! Well, I'm standing with Larry and others from our Church who are praying for GOD to give you strength and comfort before, during and after your surgery and PT. Take things one day at a time! Blessings!"

Lar,I'm calmer now (I never do go berserk, just slip into depression) that I've heard that "cardiac clearance" is fairly routine. Thank your friend Pat Himmelstein of her kind words of support. Thank you too Larry. Ron

I am certain you will get through this latest setback with flying colors! The surgeon is just protecting himself against a charge of malpractice. Any sort of delay is alarming when you just want to get the job done. Remember you have many rooting for you and praying as well, even if you don't believe in that. I am pleased you were able to get an appointment so quickly with your cardiologist, and hope you can get your knee fixed early next week. The sooner this happens the sooner you will get back to your regular life, your garden, and your travels. All in all I think your attitude towards this calamity has been pretty darn positive. You will get through it!

Cindy,I will get through this. It's a cliche but I just go one day at a time. I don't go crazy. My only worry is depression. I have to avoid slipping into that dark hole. So far so good with all the good words of encouragement from my friends both here, on Facebook and my neighbors. Three weeks ago, one slip and my life changed forever.RonRo n

Sweet February

I am a 76 year old gay man who retired to Delaware eleven years ago from Pennsylvania with my partner now husband of 53 years. We left Pennsylvania to escape the ever increasing high taxes for the more tax friendly state of Delaware. Now living on a fixed income supplemented by a part-time job as a front desk agent at a local hotel, we are making the most of our declining years. We've both had a fabulous life but we are slowing down now but still having a wonderful life. This blog I write is partly for my own therapy and to share and make friends with others out there in the universe.